第１３２１堀：治療の経過 (Part2)
The way they offered a light bow when Kishua acknowledged them showed no hint of tension.
"Well, it’s only natural. We’re both being pushed around by Yuki, after all."
It was true; Kishua and her companions’ primary duty was gathering intelligence across the If Continent. Given the ongoing issues with the nations and organizations harboring mass-produced magic swords, their paths crossing with Orelia and the others was hardly a surprise.
"Then I’m glad we can skip the introductions. I have two matters to discuss. The first concerns the investigation into the organizations hostile to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, specifically regarding information on the mass-produced magic swords."
"Ah, right, that request did come through. Difes is currently compiling the investigation files, but... wait. Who should I hand them over to? You, Yuki? Noble? Or Hifi?"
"Any of those three will do. Noble and I have already discussed it; we’ll be parceling out the information as we receive it."
"I see. So that’s how you plan to obscure the source."
"Furthermore, there’s a possibility we may need your cooperation during the investigation into the swords, so please keep that in mind."
"Is it really alright for us to be involved so openly?"
"It won’t be 'openly,' per se. We aren't exactly going to announce the investigation to the world. We’ll just frame it as us acting as Noble’s protégés."
"Using that standing, then? Understood. Just make sure the paperwork is routed properly."
"Of course. It should arrive by tomorrow."
"And the second matter?"
"The progress report regarding Lyushi."
As I fluttered the documents in my hand, Kishua closed her magazine.
"So, you’ve finally found the time."
"More or less. Everything is ready to be set in motion. So, how is it?"
"Hold on. It’s better if the person who wrote the report is present. She’s in the back, so follow me."
"Is it alright to leave the shop unattended?"
"Leila is here; she can cover for me. Besides, it’s Nina and I who have been handling the Lyushi situation."
We headed to the living quarters behind the shop. In the main room, the other Holy Sword users were busy—some were diligently sewing stuffed animals, while others had designs spread out across the tables, seemingly lost in their work.
"Oh, if it isn't Yuki and the others. Here for business?"
"Regarding Lyushi. Leila, can you take over the shop?"
"Ah, I see. Sure, no problem. See you later, Yayui."
"Yeah. See you later."
I found myself distracted by the friendly exchange between Leila and Yayui, but I had to refocus on the matter of Lyushi. As if reading my mind, Hovis sidled up to my ear.
"Yayui-san loves stuffed animals, so she visits quite often. She has a real soft spot for cute things. She even gave me a teddy bear."
"I see. A hobby as cute as she is, then."
Yayui and stuffed animals. It was a perfect match. I suppose the idea of a stuffed animal shop that could genuinely appeal to adults wasn't so far-fetched after all. I made a mental note to ask Ratz about the profitability of it later, but just then, I heard footsteps descending from the second floor. Nina appeared, dressed in nothing but a shirt and shorts—the very picture of someone who had just rolled out of bed. She was tugging her shirt up to scratch her stomach, revealing a fair amount of her ample chest.
"...What is it, Yuki? Did you come for a midnight raid?"
"It’s just past noon."
"What do you think of a master who retorts so calmly, Orelia?"
"I believe it is a sign of a highly rational mind."
"Ugh. I suppose you’re right. Anyway, Kishua told me—this is about Lyushi, right?"
"You knew the topic, yet that was your greeting?"
"I was teased mercilessly last time, so I’m holding a grudge. But, putting that aside, does this mean you’ve looked over the report?"
"Yeah. So, what’s the verdict? Is it safe for me to meet her?"
"I’ve judged that it is. Kishua agrees as well... wait, where’s Kishua?"
"She went to fetch you and headed upstairs."
Just as I said that, Kishua came back down, carrying a set of clothes.
"Why are you talking to him in that state? Go get changed!"
It seemed Nina was surprisingly slovenly, and while Kishua was a petite, boyish girl, she clearly had her act together. It was a realization that came a bit late.
Do you remember her?
That girl from back then.